Am I Patient With My Child?

Do you think about how your words will sound to your child?

Do you speak slow and always listen to your child?

Do you try to ask yourself what you are really mad about, and look at the bigger picture?

Do you often breathe deeply and walk away, if necessary?

Do you always seek to understand your child?

Do you avoid yelling to your child?

Do you avoid expecting too much of your child?

Do you, in general, feel good and not extremely tired?

Based on your answers, it seems like you are a patient parent. Congratulations! Patience is one of those things we wish, but still it often feels like an unreachable goal because kids can be very good at pushing our buttons. Luckily, you seem to have your kids under control! The calm presence of a patient mom or dad is everything!

Based on your answers, you are displaying some signs related to being a little impatient with your children. The days that you lose patience are always hard, but inevitable. You may feel you need a break and that you have no time for yourself. However, know that patience is like a muscle: the more you exercise it, the more it grows. Almost no parent was born with an abundance of patience. But it will get better and better as we exercise it. Recognize when you are getting impatient, take a deep breath and ask yourself what you are really mad about. Try to seek understanding and listen to your child. The calm presence of a patient mom or dad is everything!

Unfortunately, you are displaying the signs typically seen among parents who are impatient with their children. It’s important as a parent to filter your words, to think well before you say something and to imagine how it will sound to your child. Especially in conversations about sensitive topics this is very important. Patience is like a muscle, so the more you exercise it, the better you will become at it. It will take time, but it’s worth it. The calm presence of a patient mom or dad is everything!